If you’re new to the idea of antique furniture you may want to know why you shouldn’t just pop to your local retailer for a flatpack desk or wardrobe. Read on to find out our reasons to invest in antique furniture!
Our love affair with antiques has been ongoing for centuries, something that is borne out by a 31% growth in the number of antique dealerships in the UK over the last ten years. Antique furniture particularly, holds it appeal for collectors both seasoned and novice, and here’s why:
Antique furniture is unique
As antique furniture was handmade and not mass produced, pieces are usually one-of-a-kind that will be hard to find anywhere else. Unlike the contemporary furniture found in modern outlets, that can be seen in hundreds of homes nationwide, a piece of antique furniture will add a unique touch to your surroundings, not to be found anywhere else. The uniqueness of individual, one-off pieces gives them a character lacking from mass produced, production line furniture.
Antique furniture represents a financial investment
While it isn’t guaranteed, much antique furniture will appreciate in value and can represent a keen investment. With furniture, value will depend on factors including aesthetics, historical context and, of course, condition and new buyers should look at our 5 valuable tips for buying and selling antique furniture.
History is preserved through antique furniture
Antique furniture is, without a doubt, historically and culturally significant and is the bridge between today with yesterday. This snapshot of the past connects us to our ancestors and gives an insight into their lifestyles and traditions. As pieces of social history, antique furniture connects us to the people who have owned it before and can inform us about the period it was made and the techniques that were prevalent at the time.
Buying antique furniture is sustainable
It is a given that antique furniture is sustainable as it has, by definition, endured at least a hundred years! It is this durability and endurance that, unlike modern pieces which are not built to last, means that fewer pieces will end up in landfill. Environmentally, antique furniture produces a lower carbon footprint than its contemporary cousins with some research indicating that modern pieces could have a carbon impact up to 16 times more than an antique piece. Find out more in Are antiques good for the environment?
Antique furniture represents excellent workmanship
Much antique furniture has endured because of the craftmanship that went into its manufacture and the high quality materials that it was crafted from. The combination of skilled workmanship and superior materials has resulted in pieces of furniture that are centuries old and will endure for centuries more.
Antique furniture transcends style trends
Antique furniture has a period charm of its own which means it will never be at odds with current trends. The juxtaposition of antique and contemporary pieces works well in all types of home and, in particular, antique tables can work in a modern setting.
Antique furniture from Hemswell Antique Centres
If you are a new collector, remember that a piece of furniture will not automatically have value because it is old, and it’s important to carry out lots of research before shopping. Do your homework to determine what area, genre and period of furniture you favour and always make sure to source your purchases from reputable sellers.
At Hemswell Antique Centres, we are home to hundreds of dealers, many of whom are members of LAPADA, and we have pieces for sale from every period. From antique tables or antique desks to antique sideboards and antique chests of drawers, and everything in between, our period furniture online has something for every taste, budget and style of property.
For commercial clients who are unable to visit the centres in person, we can arrange for you to be accompanied by our Managing Director on a live virtual shopping tour. Pieces of interest to you will be showcased in fine detail, using the latest video technology. Please contact us to book.
